The European Union is evaluating the potential exclusion of Ukrainian men of conscription age from its extended temporary protection scheme, established in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This proposal arises during discussions about the future of the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), which currently allows Ukrainians to reside and work across Europe without navigating national asylum systems.
According to reports from Euractiv, the discussions include a possible narrowing of the temporary protection’s scope by excluding men of conscription age and those who have left Ukraine illegally. Any such restrictions would apply only to new applicants seeking temporary protection.
Last year, the European Commission urged member states to prepare for a gradual cessation of the program. In 2024, it issued recommendations for a “coordinated transition” to more stable legal statuses, but progress has been inconsistent across the EU. Concerns have been raised by some national governments about the increasing number of recently arrived men of conscription age. Several countries argue that a review of the system is necessary, both to support Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression and to facilitate future reconstruction efforts.
This issue is set to be discussed by migration ministers at the upcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting. Any changes to the Directive would need to be initiated by the European Commission, which has not yet indicated whether it will officially propose another extension of the scheme.
Background:
- As of March 2026, approximately 4.33 million Ukrainians held temporary protection status within the EU, with the highest numbers in Germany (1.27 million), Poland (961,405), and the Czech Republic (379,820).
- Some national governments have already begun to consider tightening regulations for Ukrainians seeking temporary protection. Denmark is looking at restrictions for men aged 23 to 60 and is contemplating halting general temporary protection for newcomers from 14 regions deemed less affected by military actions.
- The Norwegian government has implemented changes to its policies regarding displaced persons from Ukraine, stating that newly arrived men aged 18 to 60 will no longer receive temporary collective protection.
The EU is contemplating changes to its temporary protection directive, potentially excluding Ukrainian men of conscription age. This discussion reflects concerns about the demographic composition of recent arrivals and aims to balance support for Ukraine with migration management.
Source: Європейська правда